Norfolk Sunrise News

Posted by Jim Dawson
 

GLOBAL GRANT FOR AVOIDABLE BLINDNESS

Last year, Operation Eyesight became the first and only NGO in the eye health sector to work in the challenging state called Jammu and Kashmir, India – and it’s all because of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise!  Many people in this mountainous state live in remote areas with no roads, making it extremely difficult to reach eye care services.
 
Thanks to the club, we launched a Hospital-Based Community Eye Health Program in partnership with the Rotary Eye Hospital in Udhampur to overcome this barrier.  Locally trained community eye health workers who know their way around Udhampur are able to screen residents living in remote areas and refer those with eye health problems for treatment.  Patients who require surgery are transported by bus to the hospital.
 
 
Over the past year, 70,000 people have been surveyed. Of those, 1,900 were diagnosed with cataract and another 3,500 received a free pair of prescription eyeglasses.  In February, the Norfolk Sunrise Rotary Club travelled to Udhampur to see the projects first-hand.
 
 Here’s what some of the members had to say:
• “I was very impressed with the quality of the staff. All seemed extremely competent and very motivated. We felt very comfortable that the project is in good hands!” – J.D.
• “The goal to eliminate avoidable blindness in India by 2020 can be achieved after bearing witness to the dedication and commitment of Operation Eyesight. There can be no greater gift than to restore someone’s sight so they can regain independence and a productive life.” – S.M.